ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Ethanol Blending has Improved from 1.53% during Ethanol Supply Year 2013-14 to 7.93% ongoing ESY 2020-21
E-100 Pilot Project Launched in Pune City
E-100 pilot projects has been launched at Pune city by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies  on June 05, 2021. With a view to enhance fuel choice and facilitate sale of E-100 fuel, MoP&NG vide its order dated March 22, 2021 has amended the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel  Order, 2005 by permitting the direct sale of Bio-ethanol  by an oil company for use as standalone fuel or blending with motor spirit, for compatible automobiles to all consumers, in accordance with the standards specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
The Notified National Policy on Biofuels – 2018, provided an indicative target of blending 20% ethanol in petrol by 2030. Government has undertaken several supply and demand side interventions since 2014 which has enabled improvement in ethanol blending from average 1.53% during Ethanol Supply Year  2013-14 to 7.93% during ongoing ESY 2020-21 as on July 12, 2021. An Interdepartmental Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary NITI Aayog has submitted a “Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25” which outlines the journey for 20% ethanol blending in the country. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has published a Notification dated June 02, 2021, wherein, it has been stated that OMCs shall sell ethanol blended petrol with percentage of ethanol upto 20% as per BIS Specifications in the whole of India and Union Territories and shall come into effect from April 01, 2023.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Rameswar Teli in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Signing of MoU between Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Central TB Division, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for TB Elimination
MoU will help achieve the PM’s ambitious target of eliminating TB in India by 2025
A Memorandum of Understanding  was signed between Ministry of Panchayati Raj  and Central TB Division, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare  here today. The MoU was signed by Shri  Bijaya Kumar Behera, Economic Adviser on behalf of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj while Shri  P. Ashok Babu, Joint Secretary  signed on behalf of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in the presence of officials of MoPR and MoH&FW. The MoU will forge inter–Ministerial collaboration and strategic partnerships with the aim to achieving the Prime Minister’s ambitious target of Eliminating TB in India by 2025.
Shri  P. Ashok Babu said that the MoU is expected to pave way for coordinated efforts at grassroots level to create mass awareness in rural areas to end stigma and discrimination associated with Tuberculosis and will help utilize the huge potential of nationwide network of Panchayati Raj Institutions  / Rural Local Bodies for elimination of TB in India by 2025. This MoU will serve as a milestone to achieve the objective and target of TB Free India Campaign.
Speaking on this occasion, Shri  Bijaya Kumar Behera said that the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has joined hands with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to take forward the “TB Harega, Desh Jeetega” campaign in rural India that targets to achieve the health-specific Sustainable Development Goal  target related to TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target of 2030. He assured to take up this cause to the nook and corner of rural India through the PRIs for their active involvement including due weightage in the Panchayat Development Plans towards elimination of TB.
Dr. Behera expressed hope that this Inter-Ministerial cooperation and collaboration between MoPR and MoHF&W would focus on creating awareness at grassroots level through active involvement of Panchayats / Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committee , and would also support a range of possible collaborative activities towards the eventual eradication of TB from India by the year 2025.
The TB Free India Campaign has been launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to eliminate Tuberculosis in India by 2025, five years ahead of the targets set by the UN’s SDGs. It’s a commitment that signals Prime Minister’s firm resolve to fighting the disease in India which has the highest burden of TB in the world.
The main objective of this MoU is to forego convergence at policy, programme and implementation levels across the Ministries of the Government of India for a multi–sectoral and accelerated response towards TB Free India. MoH&FW has developed a National Strategic Plan  for elimination of TB in the country by 2025. Through Inter-Ministerial coordination MoH&FW aims to reach the population served by various Ministries such as workers, miners, migrants, Tribal Populations, Women and Children etc.
Ministry of Education
Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal “Nishank” launches a web-portal YUKTI  in New Delhi
The portal aims to monitor and record the efforts and initiatives of MHRD which have been taken in the wake of COVID-19 - Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank'
Union Minister for HRD Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal “Nishank” has launched a web-portal YUKTI  today in New Delhi. It’s a unique portal and dashboard to monitor and record the efforts and initiatives of MHRD. The portal intends to cover the different dimensions of COVID-19 challenges in a very holistic and comprehensive way.
Speaking on the occasion Union Minister said that in the wake of COVID-19 threat, our primary aim is to keep our academic community healthy, both physically & mentally and to enable a continuous high-quality learning environment for learners. The portal is an effort of HRD Ministry to achieve this goal in these difficult times.
Shri Pokhriyal informed that It will cover the various initiatives and efforts of the institutions in academics, research especially related to CoVID, social initiatives by institutions and the measures taken for the betterment of the total wellbeing of the students. The portal will cover both qualitative and quantitative parameters for effective delivery of services to the academic community at large. He said that portal will also allow various institutions to share their strategies for various challenges which are there because of the unprecedented situation of COVID-19 and other future initiatives. The HRD Minister hoped that this portal will give inputs for better planning and will enable MHRD to monitor effectively its activities for coming six months.
Shri Nishank said that the portal will also establish a two-way communication channel between the Ministry of HRD and the institutions so that the Ministry can provide the necessary support system to the institutions. He said that we are confident that this portal will help in critical issues related to student promotion policies, placements related challenges and physical and mental well-being of students in these challenging times. The web platform Yukti will epitomize its name and prove to be a great enabler in taking the research to the ultimate stakeholders, the citizens of our country, he added.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
51st IFFI announces International Jury comprising eminent filmmakers
The 51st edition of International Film Festival of India has announced its International Jury with eminent filmmakers from across the world. The Jury will comprise Pablo Cesar  as Chairman, Prasanna Vithanage , Abu Bakr Shawky , Priyadarshan  and Ms. Rubaiyat Hossain .
Brief on the eminent Jury members:
Pablo Cesaris an Argentine filmmaker. He has contributed to the African cinema by making the critically acclaimed films, Equinox, the Garden of the Roses, Los dioses de agua and Aphrodite, the Garden of the Perfumes.
Prasanna Vithanageis a Sri Lankan filmmaker. He is considered as one of the pioneers of the third generation of the Sri Lankan cinema. He has directed eight feature films including Death on a Full Moon Day , August Sun , Flowers of the Sky  & With You, Without You  and won many prestigious national and international awards and have also been commercially successful in Sri Lanka. In his early theatre work, he translated and produced plays by international writers, adapted works of world literature to film. He has battled against the censorship in Sri Lanka and worked as an educator of cinema who has conducted many Master classes in the subcontinent for young filmmakers and enthusiasts.
Abu Bakr Shawkyor “A.B.” Shawky is an Egyptian-Austrian writer and director. His first feature film, Yomeddine, was selected to participate in the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and will screen in the Main Competition section and compete for the Palme d'Or.
Rubaiyat Hossainis a Bangladeshi film director, writer and producer. She is notable for the films Meherjaan, Under Construction and Made in Bangladesh.
Priyadarshanis an Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer. In a career spanning over three decades, he has directed more than 95 films in various Indian languages, predominantly in Malayalam and Hindi, while also having done six films in Tamil and two in Telugu
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Commerce & Industry Minister gives away CAPEXIL exports awards
The future of India lies in MSME sector: Piyush Goyal
Caring for Environment is Advantageous for All: Commerce Minister
Piyush Goyal urges industry to create brand value for make in India products
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways, Piyush Goyal gave way the export awards of CAPEXIL in New Delhi today. Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Pratap Chandra Sarangi was also present at the award function.
Speaking on this occasion Commerce and Industry Minister said that in the chemicals and allied sectors, which has some of the oldest industries in the country, has much more potential than has been tapped and it is time that the entire sector should make a combined effort to take up new challenges, set higher goals and aspire for extraordinary results.
Commerce and Industry Minister complimented the award winners and said that they must inspire others, who have not won an award today, to take bold decisions and risks and aspire to do extraordinary work in their industry. For this, the Minister added that the CAPEXILsector industries must embrace new technology and explore new markets, make value addition to the products that are being manufactured and not just remain in their comfort zone as manufactures and exporters of raw and basic products.
Piyush Goyal further said that although India’s exports of the chemicals and allied sectors amount to 10 % of the global chemical market, it is time now to aspire to be the number one exporter of products from this sector and for this the Commerce and Industry Minister urged all the industries of this sector to think of ways and means to make more value addition to their products in the export basket and be bold and nimble footed.
Commerce and Industry Minister added that it is in the MSME sector that the future of India lies and urged industries of the MSME sector to demand the support of the Government in development of clusters near ports, availability of land in bulk, common effluent treatment plants and common testing facilities. Piyush Goyal further said that investing and caring for the environment is an advantageous proposition for everybody, the industry as well as citizens, as it helps tocreate a conducive business climate and acceptability for Indian products worldwide.
Commerce and Industry Minister urged industry to engage with the world, grasp all opportunities that are available through the free trade agreements that India has entered into with other countries but at the same time protect the national interest, their business interests and above all the interest of the consumers.
Ministry of Defence
CAS VISIT TO BANGLADESH
Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff was invited by his counterpart Air Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan BUP, nswc, fawc, psc, GD , Chief of Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force to review the Passing Out Parade and Commissioning Ceremony at Bangladesh Air Force Academy  in Jashore on 28 June 2021, on the occasion of ‘President Parade 2021’.
The two day visit was highly significant in view of the Golden Jubilee of the historic victory in 1971 War for Liberation of Bangladesh. This occasion also marks the first instance when any foreign Chief was invited to review the Parade as the Chief Guest – a re-affirmation of the strong bonds of friendship and trust between India and Bangladesh and their Armed Forces.
While addressing the graduating trainees on parade, CAS complimented them for an excellent parade and noted the rapid progress being made in all aspects of military level interactions, with bilateral defence cooperation having become an important pillar in the deep historical and fraternal ties between India and Bangladesh. The CAS described this event as a reflection of the excellent state of professional relationship between the two Air Forces based on mutual trust and understanding. He expressed confidence that his presence in BAFA during this historic 50th year of Liberation War would reinforce the already strong and multi-dimensional partnership between the two Nations.
During his stay in Bangladesh, The CAS held discussions with his host,the Chief of Air Staff Bangladesh Air Force as well as the Chief of Army Staff and Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division; wherein matters of mutual interest and avenues to further strengthen the all-encompassing defence cooperation were discussed. He also interacted with the High Commissioner of India, HE Vikram K. Doraiswami during his stay in Dhaka.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s meeting with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France
Ms. Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, who is on an official visit to India from September 13-15, 2022, called on Prime Minister Modi today. Besides discussion on bilateral and other issues of mutual interest, the Minister conveyed President Macron’s message of friendship and cooperation to the Prime Minister. PM Modi fondly recalled his recent meetings with President Macron in Paris and Schloss Elmau, Germany, and conveyed his desire to welcome the President in India at an early opportunity.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Navy conducts 2nd edition of Mumbai Heritage Run with over 6500 participants
The Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy concluded the much-anticipated second edition of Mumbai Heritage Run on Sunday, 06 August 2023. Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, AVSM, NM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command , the Chief Guest, flagged off the 10K Varuna run. The 5K Samudra run was flagged off by Rear Admiral AV Bhave, VSM, Flag Officer Defence Advisory Group . The event organised by Western Naval Command was centered at Ballard Pier, Fort with M/s Fitpage as the principal Race Management Partner.
Filled with enthusiasm and anticipation, over 6,500 runners of all ages and backgrounds participated in this edition of the run. A testament to the enduring appeal of our cultural heritage and the passion for a healthy lifestyle, the event drew participants from all over the city.
The Heritage Run 2023 was successful largely due to the support of volunteers, partners with active contribution from Mumbai Police and BMC.
The 10K run had three categories; 60Y & above, 45-59Y and 16-44Y. The 5K run had three categories namely - 60Y & above, 18-59Y and 12-17Y. The winner of the 10K Male  Shrimant Kolhe and 10K Male  Shivand Shetty were felicitated by Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, FOC-in-C . Winners of 5K  Vikas Kumar Nirmal and 10K Male  Keshav Mote were felicitated by Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, AVSM, NM, Director General Naval Project and winners of 5K Male  Ashutosh Roy and 5K Male  Sahil Bibave were felicitated by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, Controller of Personnel Services.
The winners for the 10K Female  Aneeta Bajaj and  Yamini Thakre were felicitated by Mrs. Shashi Tripathi, President NWWA . Winners of 5K Female  Gayatri Shinde and 10K Female  Lata Alimchandani by Mrs. Renu Rajaram and winners of 5K Female Category  Sadhana Virkar and  Urmila Bane were awarded by Mrs. Laila Swaminathan. Vice Admiral P Murgesan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM  felicitated the oldest males Capt Vinod Saigal  and Surendra Joshi  and oldest females Daksha Dilip Kanavia  and Dharmi Swaminathan  who participated in the event.
The FOC-in-C congratulated all concerned on the flawless conduct of the run. He also unveiled the logo of Indian Navy Half Marathon to be conducted in November 2023 and reiterated WNC’s commitment towards preserving the rich cultural heritage of Mumbai and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Taking participants on a scenic journey, the run through the historic South Mumbai District was a reward in itself for all the participants. From ancient monuments to modern architectural gems including the 288 year old Naval Dockyard, the route allowed the runners to explore and experience the rich heritage of south Mumbai and its legacy.
The Heritage Run exceeded expectations, not just in terms of the number of participants but also the incredible energy and enthusiasm displayed by everyone involved. The popularity of the event was immense which can be gauged by the fact that close to 6,000 additional personnel could not register due to capacity constraints.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Monitoring of Nipah Virus infection
During the 2018 Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, 52 Pteropus giganteus bats were collected and a total of 10 samples  of the bats were found positive for Nipah virus by “Real Time qRT-PCR” lab testing technique.
For early detection, monitoring and response to epidemic prone diseases  outbreaks, Government of India is doing surveillance through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program  and providing technical and financial support to all States under the National Health Mission .
As per information received from Ministry of External Affairs, no screening for Nipah Virus is required for issuance of Indian visas persons coming from Bangladesh and Malaysia.
Immediately after the outbreak of Nipah virus disease was reported from Kerala in the first week of June 2019, the Union Health & Family Welfare Minister took a review meeting and a Multi-disciplinary Central team consisting of experts from the National Centre for Disease Control , All India Institute of Medical Sciences  and the Indian Council of Medical Research  was deployed in the affected district to assist and guide the State health authorities. The team is supporting the State in investigations, contact tracing, sample testing and management of the Nipah Virus Disease .
Point of Care Test facility has been established by the National Institute of Virology , Pune at Medical College Ernakulum. Experts from National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases , Bhopal were also involved with the local Animal Husbandry Department in investigation.
NIV, Pune deputed special teams to collect samples from Pteropus or fruit bats, which are the main reservoir of Nipah virus disease. Out of 36 Pteropus species bats tested for Nipah, 12  were found to be positive for “anti Nipah bat IgG antibodies”. Strategic Health Operation Centre  at NCDC has been activated since 4th June, 2019 and is coordinating with field teams on surveillance and response activities for Nipah containment. A dedicated phone-line has been established at SHOC to answer queries of general public. Further, specific case definition, contact tracing and treatment & clinical management protocol have been provided to State authorities of Kerala.
The Minister of State , Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.
Ministry of Power
Central PSU of Power Ministry REC steps up relief work amidst lockdown to curb Covid-19 Pandemic
The PSU reaches out to over 76,000 needy people with food and ration
The Navratna NBFC ties up with Delhi Police to provide 500 food packets on daily basis
Had earlier contributed Rs. 150 Cr. to PM CARES fund
From Srinagar to Kanyakumari, Jamnagar to Shillong, starvation is as much a threat as Covid-19 for daily wagers, many of them migrants from different parts of India. Concerned over their plight, REC Foundation, the CSR arm of REC Limited, a Navratna CPSE and the country’s leading financier of the power-sector projects under the administrative control of Ministry of Power is distributing cooked food, ration, utility packets, masks, sanitizers and even providing shelter during the lockdown benefiting 76,000 daily wagers and their families till date. REC Foundation has already sanctioned funds totalling ₹ 7 crores for these activities and more such funds are already in the pipeline.
Acknowledging the call of Shri R. K. Singh, the Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, the REC has already donated ₹ 150 crore to the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations  Fund to support India's fight against coronavirus. In addition to this, all REC employees have voluntary contributed a day's salary to the PM National Relief Fund.
REC Foundation in association with respective state-owned power distribution utilities is providing food grain packets and other utility packets like masks and sanitizers. REC has also tied up with Delhi Police to provide 500 food packets which can feed a family of 4 on a daily basis. REC Foundation has also released funds to the offices of Distribution Companies, Collector and/or District Magistrates of various districts across India to provide cooked meals twice a day for 10-30 days. Talks are on with many other districts for execution of the same in their areas. In addition to these, food kits are also being provided in these districts to those who have facilities to cook at home.
Around 300 workers and daily wagers engaged in construction of REC World Head Quarters, Gurugram belonging to various states like Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat etc. & other needy people from vicinity areas are also being provided ration items like Atta, Rice, Dal, Edible Oil, Soap, Sanitizers etc. on a bi-weekly basis.
RCJ/M
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